Meet Your April 5 Candidates: Joe LoVerde, Niles Trustee

"All politics is local" and "The closer to home, the greater the impact on your pocketbook" are two truisms in politics.

The candidates in local elections affect how much you pay in taxes, and what you get for your money, more than candidates in Springfield and Washington, D.C. 

So who are these folks who will impact your life and money? Find out here.

Accessibility: Citizens need to be able to contact their elected officials to voice their opinions, so Patch is noting how accessible they are. Joe LoVerde's  contact information is listed on whitepages.com

Joseph LoVerde, Candidate for Village of Niles Trustee

1. How would you assess the state of the village’s budget? How should it balance the budget? 

The Village of Niles sits on a solid financial foundation with fund reserves that are adequate to get us through these difficult times. Our excellent financial rating allows us to refinance current debt at exceptionally low interest rates saving our taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am confident that through a combination of continued cost reductions in operations and a recent increase in sales tax we will achieve a balanced budget. 

2. What needs to be done to maintain or improve Niles business, retail and industrial climate in the future?

 First, we must use every resource to maintain our current business partners and attract new business partners; as they are the financial engine that allows Niles the distinction of having the lowest property taxes of the Northwest suburbs. This can be accomplished by reinvesting in our infrastructure with the current ongoing beautification plans of Milwaukee Ave. We as elected officials must work closely with our business owners, Chamber of Commerce, Community Development department and Business Coordinator to improve communications with workshops and meetings on how we as a village can attract more customers to Niles. We must actively involved with Cook County to seek out possible tax incentives to keep our industrial business in Niles.

 3. What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?  

The village should have funded the pensions, as recommended by our actuarial. I do know we must make the pension contributions a high priority. We cannot ignore our responsibility and kick the problem down the road. We have addressed it this year and increased the contribution by an additional million dollars. I am confident that by reducing cost and with increased sales tax we will properly fund our pensions. I would work to mandate that future recommended pension contributions be properly funded.

 4. Briefly tell us what, in your background or education, has prepared you to make a contribution on this board. Can you offer an expertise that would be a resource to other board members?

I bring to the position of trustee 25 years as an owner in a highly competitive construction industry and the last 14 years as executive director of the Niles Park District. I am driven by challenges and overcoming obstacles and dedicated to serving the Niles community. I bring experience in construction administration, public bidding requirements, knowledge of construction equipment and construction projects. I chair the Storm Water Committee and my experience is an asset to our community. My 14 years as executive eirector brings to the board a complete understanding of municipal operations. I am confident that my experience and knowledge can be and has been a resource to our board members.

 5. What is the top issue (or two or three) and what’s your position on it (them)?        

Accountability: continued support of strong ethics code, open meetings, public workshops and continued public participation at board meetings.

 Fiscal Responsibility: continued support to reduce cost, increase revenues, fund pensions, without resorting to gambling.   

 6. Is there anything else you would like voters to know about your positions on issues, involvement in the community or point of view?

I have been actively involved in the community for over 25 years. I am privileged and honored to serve as your Trustee since being elected in 2007.  I have always been a voice for our citizens. I serve as Chairman of the Ethics Committee and instrumental in adopting the most stringent ethics code; requiring full disclosure of all elected and appointed officials. My construction experience awarded me the position as Chairman of the Storm Water Commission, we have revised and adopted new storm water management ordinances and will prioritize a capital improvement plan for future flood relief projects. I have a proven track record of success, as Executive Director of the Niles Park District and Trustee of the Village of Niles, I know how to eliminate waste and be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. I have served on numerous community organizations and I have enjoyed making Niles a better place. The recent award of Niles being named “the best place to raise a family” is clearly indicative of the hard work and dedication of your public servants from all local agencies. I am very proud and honored to serve you and play a small part in receiving this distinguished award.